Cognitive Science is the study of the processes by which the humans and other animals come to know properties of their external environment and convert that knowledge into action as well as relay that knowledge to others by means of communication. As a result, Cognitive Science has a vital role to play in several socially important areas such as mental health, social engineering, education and computer technology. It is assumed that Cognitive Science is one of the four pillars of the 21st Century along with Nano, Bio, and Information Technology. Of the four, Cognitive Science is the least represented in the Indian scientific scenario. In view of this, DST took special initiative for research in Cognitive Science in the 11th Five Year Plan. The thrust areas are: Foundations of Cognition; Language and Cognition Computational Intelligence Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience. In short, at present, Cognitive Science Research Initiative (CSI) of DST promises to revolutionize research in various fields such as, a) nature and origin of mental disorders of psychological, social and neurochemical origin b) design of better learning tools and educational paradigms and design of better software technologies and artificial intelligence devices. In addition to promoting basic research and infrastructure in this area, human resource development has also been identified as an integral part for success of this initiative.

Applications are invited from Indian nationals for the award of DST-CSI-Postdoctoral Fellowship for pursuing research in frontier areas of Cognitive Science. The fellowship is tenable in Research Institutions/Universities/Non-profit R&D Institutions within India. The fellowships are awarded under a programme Cognitive Science Research Initiative (CSI) sponsored by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Eligibility: The applicants should hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Science and Engineering with research interests in Cognitive Science and a good academic record. Those who have already submitted Ph.D. thesis are also eligible to apply. The applicants should be below 40 years of age.

Details of the Award: The postdoctoral fellowship is a purely temporary assignment and is tenable for a maximum period of 2 years. In exceptional cases, depending upon progress of the research, the fellowship may be extended for the third year. Each fellow would be entitled to a fellowship of Rs 20,000/- per month and research contingency grant of Rs 1,00,000/- per year, payable to the host institution. The fellowships cannot be availed at the same institution where the candidates have earned their Ph.D. degree. Mode of Selection: The selection of candidates will be based on their bio-data and the performance in the interview. Applications will be evaluated by an expert committee. The key factors considered when assessing proposal are the excellence of applicants academic / research record, the excellence of the proposed research and the relevance of the host institution in the proposed research. If the candidate accepts the fellowship, he/she must join the host institution within two months time. Mode of Application: Candidates may submit their application on plain paper along with bio-data, list of publications (attach reprints of 2 important papers), one page synopsis of Ph.D. or equivalent degrees thesis. The applicant is advised to propose his/her place of work, name of the supervisor, enclose two page synopsis of proposed research work which must be compatible with the ongoing research of the proposed supervisor, and his/her consent of availing the fellowship. One should also enclose a declaration stating that if selected for the fellowship, he/she will complete the tenure of the fellowship. However, they may be allowed to relinquish the fellowship only if accepting permanent employment in India.

For more details Log on : Dr HB Singh, Scientist, SERC Division, Department of Science and Technology, Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016 E-mail: haribsingh@nic.in. Last date for receipt of applications for both (i) & (ii): September 30, 2010.